Kyle Johnson American Football Camps & Clinics

Linebacker Drills

We teach our linebackers to go to the football. The mike and either sam or will should ideally keep the ball between the two of them and meet the ball carrier at the line of scrimmage. The backside backer MUST turn and wait for either of two scenarios. The ball to cross the line of scrimmage. He should never pursue until the ball has crossed the line of scrimmage. The second scenario is cut back. If everything goes as planned the ball carrier should run into a wall and bounce it. Cut back can kill this defense if sam and will are not disciplined players.

I stole every bit of this defense from Georgetown College, Califorina University of Pa., Miami of Ohio, and various high school coaches. The drill that follows is my one contribution. I can honestly say I made this one up. It is an every day drill that teaches the backers to attack and be disciplined. It is a great drill.

Attack in B gap there is no play for the backside player.

Same thing just a bit wider.

Playside backers attack as normal. Backside picks up the cut back

Angle of pursuit when the ball carrier crosses the line of scrimmage. Playside needs to take sharp angles.